reid but that there was not a deal in place to avoid the fiscal cliff at the end of the year. the president also said he may be a hopeless optimist but he doesn't think it's too late to compromise. >> as we leave town for a few days to be with our families for the holidays, i hope it gives everybody some perspective. everybody can cool off. everybody can drink some eggnog, have some christmas cookies, sing some christmas carols, enjoy the company of loved ones. and then i would ask every member of congress while they are back home to think about that think about the obligations we have to the people who sent us here. think about the hardship that so many americans will endure if congress does nothing at all. >> part of the president's remarks yesterday focused on the balance of power in washington and he said since voters in november picked him to run the white house, and democrats to run the senate and republicans to run the house, nobody is ever going to get 100% of what they want in legislation. cconnell, the the case, top republican in the senate thinks it's up to the pres